Police, community and calendar briefs for July 13, 2013

Sheriff’s detectives have identified a man found whose decomposed body was found by relatives last month.

The man was identified as Jeffrey Myers Baker, 49, of Ocala.

Baker’s body was found beneath a tree in a field on June 13.

About 3 p.m. that day, a sheriff’s deputy was called to the 6700 block of Southwest 60th Avenue by a man who believed the individual was his brother-in-law, whom he had not seen in about three weeks. He said his brother-in-law had been staying in the field for a month after he lost his home to foreclosure. He said the man’s wife died two months earlier and he had been depressed and talked about suicide. The man said he was worried and knew his relative was living in the field, so he went there to check on him.

Authorities said the case is ongoing and they are awaiting a final ruling from the Medical Examiner’s Office as to the cause of death.

Boating safety course today at boating center

The Harris Chain Sail & Power Squadron will hold a public safe boating course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Millers Boating Center, 1661 U.S. 441, Ocala.

The cost is $49 for the first family member, which includes a book, and $2 for other family members willing to share the book. Registration is required.

Attendees who pass a final exam will receive an FWC Boating Safety Education ID card, whichis required for all boaters born after Jan. 1, 1988.

For more information, call 259-9711 or visit www.harrischain.org.

Racquetball tourney benefits local ministry

A Hit for Hunger Racquetball tournament will benefit the Gateway to Hope Ministries.

The tournament will be held Friday and Saturday at the Frank Deluca YMCA of Marion County, 3200 SE 17 St., Ocala.

The entry fee is $50. The entry deadline is Tuesday, July 16.

For more information, call 342-0447.

Celebrate National Park and Rec Month

July is National Park and Recreation Month. City of Ocala Recreation and Parks staff will be in several city parks encouraging citizens to get outdoors, utilize parks, eat nutritious foods and exercise, and they will provide fruit and water for those actively engaged in park activities.

The American Cancer Society is seeking participants between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer for its Cancer Prevention Study-3.

The study seeks to better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Registration will be held from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Leesburg Regional Medical Center and 1-7 p.m. Wednesday at The Villages Regional Hospital. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Applicants must sign a consent form, complete a brief survey, have their waist measured and give a small blood sample.

A Doll & Bear Extravaganza will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24, at the Harvest Village at 22050 N. U.S. 441, between McIntosh and Micanopy. Vendors and entertainers are being sought for the event.

The extravaganza will include games for children, storybook readings, baked goods, a doll doctor/appraiser for minor repairs, and vendors selling dolls (handmade, bought for resale and reconditioned) and doll and bear related items.

The LifeSouth Blood Mobile will be on site for donations.

Attendees are invited to donate old bears and dolls that can be reconditioned and will in turn be donated to police and fire departments for children in crisis situations.

To learn more, contact Anna Burrill at 525-0349 or yankeeconn@gmail.com.

Edith Smith, a butterfly expert and owner of Shady Oak Butterfly Farm in Brooker, will conduct the seminar. She will teach attendees how to build a butterfly garden habitat and will discuss butterfly life cycle and facts, and how to create a butterfly garden in a container.

Pre-registration is required. The cost is $25, which includes the seminar, a butterfly host plant and refreshments. Proceeds will benefit hospice children’s bereavement programs.